Rolpa landslide death toll rises to seven

KATHMANDU: The death toll from a landslide in Thabang of Rolpa has risen to seven.

According to a statement issued by the Armed Police Force (APF) Nepal, five people are missing.

The landslide struck Kotalbara in Thabang-5 on Wednesday night.

“Although a joint search and rescue operation by the Nepali Army, APF Nepal, and the Nepal Police is underway, rescue workers are facing severe difficulties due to persistent rain and continuous mudslides,” the statement added.

Two injured, Himal Pun Magar (22) and Sanjaya Gharti Magar (25), have been sent to Butwal for further treatment.

The deceased have been identified as Shanti Pun Magar (18), Kamal Bahadur Pun Magar (65), Jun Kumari Pun Magar (40), Ashim Pun Magar (9), Ashok Pun Magar (6), Dal Bahadur Pun Magar (75) and Manarakhi Pun Magar (71).

“Three of the victims—one female and two males—were swept downstream and their bodies recovered along the banks of the Madi River in neighboring Pyuthan district, spanning Swargadwari Municipality and Mandavi Rural Municipality. Following the discovery, a disaster management team from the APF Pyuthan base was mobilized to assist in searching for the remaining missing persons.

Security forces are searching for the five missing residents: Ajambar Pun Magar, 80; Bal Bahadur Pun Magar, 78; Lil Bahadur Pun Magar, 72; Mani Pun Magar, 71; and Hastakala Pun Magar, 67.

The disaster completely buried several homes—including the residence of deceased victim Kamal Bahadur Pun Magar—and livestock sheds, causing significant loss of property and animals.